There have been diverse definitions of poetry. Poetry itself is not static; it keeps changing daily, attaining new forms. Here are some definitions of poetry from the masters. Now, you tell us, in your own words what you think poetry is. Here are some things some writers think:
“Poetry is the best words in the best order.” ST Coleridge
“Poetry is the spontaneous outflow of powerful feelings.”
"Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash." ~Leonard Cohen
"Poetry is a deal of joy and pain and wonder, with a dash of the dictionary." ~Kahlil Gibran
"Ink runs from the corners of my mouth
There is no happiness like mine.
I have been eating poetry."
~Mark Strand, "Eating Poetry," Reasons for Moving, 1968
“Poetry is finer and more philosophical than history; for poetry expresses the universal, and history only the particular.”--Aristotle
"There's no money in poetry, but then there's no poetry in money, either." ~Robert Graves, 1962 interview on BBC-TV, based on a very similar statement he overheard around 1955
"Poetry is what gets lost in translation." ~Robert Frost
"Imaginary gardens with real toads in them." ~Marianne Moore's definition of poetry
"A poem is never finished, only abandoned." ~Paul Valéry
Happy new month people. Now tell us: what is poetry? Or share your favourite poetry quote.
Have a great March. May you march successfully over those deadlines :-)
Poetry gives insight into other people's minds, lives, dreams and experiences. It opens the mind and takes it on a journey. It gives a clear picture of what is happening, what has happened and what might happen.
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